Autochthon 2022

Wine Description for Autochthon White 2022 by Bencze Birtók

Colour & Appearance

Distinctly cloudy golden yellow – an unfiltered natural wine that reveals its authenticity right in the glass.

Nose

This wine needs air! The 2022 Autochthon initially presents itself as reductive and wild – best decanted directly into a carafe. Then a fascinating interplay of aromas unfolds: sage, mint and rosemary meet wood pear, grapefruit and quince. The youthfulness brings yeasty notes with it, along with ethereal hints of verbena and linden blossom. A remarkable depth and complexity for a wine at this price point.

Palate

Here the true class reveals itself: An explosion of freshness, peach and salty lemon, carried by an intense, striking minerality that positively electrifies the palate. The drinking flow is wonderfully invigorating, whilst the wine remains refreshingly light and precise at just 11.5% alcohol. This is exactly how natural wine should be – authentic, lively, uncompromisingly good.

Terroir & Origin

The vines are rooted in volcanic basalt soil by Lake Balaton, which explains the pronounced minerality and tension of the wine. This geological peculiarity fundamentally shapes its character.

Grape Variety & Vinification

An exciting cuvée of Furmint, Hárslevelü and Kéknyelü – three autochthonous Hungarian varieties that are allowed to show their wild side here. The grapes are harvested at different stages of ripeness, fermented with minimal skin contact and aged in amphora. Pure natural wine: no fining, no filtration, minimal intervention.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Perfect with grilled fish, goat’s cheese, vitello tonnato or spring vegetables with herb butter. Also an exciting choice with Asian dishes featuring coriander and lime.

Special Characteristics

A natural wine with character and conviction – not for beginners, but a revelation for those who appreciate authentic, lively wines. Bencze Birtók proves that Hungary’s wine scene has far more to offer than Tokaji.